Metal lightning ring

Abstract

The utility model discloses a metal lightning protection ring, include: wind power blade, blade root base is set up in one side of wind power blade, the beneficial effect of the utility model is: through the design of puncture contact and puncture connecting end, realized the high reliability electrical connection between blade internal down lead and external metal ring body, puncture connecting end directly punctures the insulating layer of blade root base surface, and forms the mechanical and electrical connection of large area, low resistance with internal down lead, need not bore on blade composite material, avoided the weakening of traditional bore mode to blade main bearing structure, protected the structural strength and fatigue life of blade, the outer sheath and effective blocking rainwater, salt fog, dust, slowed down the electrochemical corrosion of metal parts, and the limiting structure of top fixed base and top fixed plate constitutes, provides the steady transition positioning for flexible braided copper band.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of lightning protection ring technology, specifically a metal lightning protection ring. Background Technology

[0002] Wind power, as a clean and renewable energy source, has seen continuous growth in installed capacity and unit power. Wind turbines are typically installed in open areas, mountains, or offshore. Their tall towers and blades make them high-risk targets for lightning strikes. The blades, as the outermost and most vulnerable component of the turbine, rely heavily on lightning protection systems whose reliability directly impacts the overall operational safety and economy. An effective lightning protection system must provide a low-impedance, reliable conduction path for the massive lightning current when the blades are struck, safely guiding it to the ground. This prevents serious accidents such as blade structural ablation, cracking, damage to internal electrical equipment, and even fires. Mainstream blade lightning protection systems typically install lightning rods at the blade tips and... The metal down conductors laid along the blade span conduct lightning current to the blade root. At the blade root, the key challenge is how to efficiently and reliably conduct the current from the internal down conductors to the external grounding system connected to the hub. Traditional solutions often use a "drilled connection" method, which involves drilling holes in the composite material structure at the blade root and mechanically and electrically connecting the external metal ring or conductor to the internal down conductors with bolts. However, drilling holes in the composite material main structure, which is subjected to huge dynamic loads, inevitably weakens its structural strength. The drilled holes are prone to becoming the initiation point of fatigue cracks, seriously threatening the blade's life. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a metal lightning arrester ring to solve the problem mentioned in the background art of drilling holes in the composite material structure at the blade root and mechanically and electrically connecting the external metal ring or conductor to the internal down conductor by bolts. However, drilling holes in the main composite material structure that bears huge dynamic loads inevitably weakens its structural strength, and the drilled hole is prone to become the initiation point of fatigue cracks, which seriously threatens the blade's life.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a metal lightning arrester ring, comprising:

[0005] Wind turbine blades;

[0006] Blade root seat, the blade root seat is set on one side of the wind turbine blade;

[0007] The metal ring body is located on the outside of the blade root seat;

[0008] The outer sheath is fixed to the outside of the metal ring body;

[0009] Side fixing seats are equidistantly fixed to one side of the metal ring body;

[0010] A flexible braided copper strip is placed on one side of a side fixing seat. The side fixing seat has a threaded hole inside, and the flexible braided copper strip has an insertion hole that mates with the threaded hole inside.

[0011] The mounting part is located inside the threaded hole and the through hole;

[0012] The puncture contacts are equidistantly arranged on one side of the metal ring body, and the puncture contacts are provided with puncture connection ends inside.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: the mounting part includes a high-strength bolt and a high-strength nut, the high-strength bolt is installed on the inner thread of the threaded hole, and the high-strength nut is installed on the outer thread of the high-strength bolt.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: a No. 1 washer is sleeved on the outside of the high-strength bolt, and the No. 1 washer is located above the flexible braided copper strip.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model: a second washer is fitted on the outer side of the high-strength bolt, and the second washer is located between the high-strength nut and the side fixing seat.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention: a top fixing seat is fixedly connected to the top of the side fixing seat, and a top fixing plate that cooperates with the flexible braided copper strip is fixedly connected to the top of the top fixing seat, and a side groove is provided on one side of the top fixing plate.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, multiple grooves are provided on both sides of the metal ring body.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model achieves a highly reliable electrical connection between the internal down conductor and the external metal ring body of the blade through the design of the piercing contact and the piercing connection end. The piercing connection end directly pierces the insulation layer on the surface of the blade root seat, forming a large-area, low-resistance mechanical and electrical connection with the internal down conductor. There is no need to drill holes in the blade composite material, avoiding the weakening of the main load-bearing structure of the blade by traditional drilling methods, and protecting the structural strength and fatigue life of the blade. The outer sheath effectively blocks rainwater, salt spray, and sand and dust, slowing down the electrochemical corrosion of metal parts. The limiting structure formed by the top fixing seat and the top fixing plate provides a stable transition positioning for the flexible braided copper strip. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the blade root seat structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the metal ring body and groove structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the puncture contact and puncture connection end structure of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible braided copper strip structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a disassembly diagram of the high-strength bolt of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Wind turbine blade; 2. Blade root seat; 3. Metal ring body; 4. Groove; 5. Outer sheath; 6. Top fixing plate; 7. Side groove; 8. Threaded hole; 9. Flexible braided copper strip; 10. Washer No. 1; 11. High-strength bolt; 12. Washer No. 2; 13. High-strength nut; 14. Top fixing seat; 15. Piercing contact; 16. Piercing connection end; 17. Side fixing seat. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 6 This utility model provides a technical solution: a metal lightning arrester ring, comprising: a wind turbine blade 1; a blade root seat 2 fixedly connected to one side of the wind turbine blade 1; a metal ring body 3 fixedly connected to the outside of the blade root seat 2; an outer sheath 5 fixedly connected to the outside of the metal ring body 3; a side fixing seat 17 equidistantly fixed to one side of the metal ring body 3; a flexible braided copper strip 9 placed on one side of the side fixing seat 17, the side fixing seat 17 having a threaded hole 8 inside, and the flexible braided copper strip 9 having an insertion hole that mates with the threaded hole 8 inside; an installation part disposed inside the threaded hole 8 and the insertion hole; and piercing contacts 15 equidistantly disposed on one side of the metal ring body 3, the piercing contacts 15 having a piercing connection end 16 inside.

[0028] It should be noted that in this embodiment, when lightning strikes the tip lightning arrester of the wind turbine blade 1, the huge lightning current will be conducted to the blade root through the down conductor pre-embedded inside the blade. In the blade root region, the end of the down conductor is aligned with the piercing contact 15 on the metal ring body 3. Through the clamping force during installation, the piercing connection end 16 inside the piercing contact 15 pierces the insulation layer on the surface of the blade root seat 2, directly forming a large-area, low-resistance mechanical and electrical connection with the down conductor. This protects the structural strength of the blade and ensures that the lightning current can be smoothly conducted from the inside of the blade to the outside metal ring body. 3. The metal ring body 3, as a ring conductor, rapidly gathers the lightning current from the piercing contact 15. Multiple grooves 4 on both sides of the metal ring body 3 increase the heat dissipation surface area, helping to quickly dissipate the instantaneous heat generated when the lightning current passes through, preventing localized overheating. The grooves 4 optimize the stress distribution of the ring body, improving its structural stability under complex wind loads and vibrations. Multiple side fixing seats 17, equidistantly fixed on the metal ring body 3, provide reliable connection points for the flexible braided copper strip 9. The flexible braided copper strip 9 aligns with the threaded holes 8 of the side fixing seats 17 through its internal insertion holes, and is then... The fastening pair consisting of high-strength bolt 11 and high-strength nut 13 securely clamps the metal strip. Washer 10 evenly distributes the pressure on the bolt head, protecting the surface of the flexible braided copper strip 9 from damage. Washer 12 increases the contact area between the nut and the side fixing seat 17, preventing loosening due to vibration. The other end of the flexible braided copper strip 9 is connected to the equipotential bonding point on the wheel hub, safely conducting lightning current from the metal ring body 3 to the wheel hub, and finally guiding it to the ground through the tower. The fixing structure consisting of the top fixing seat 14 and the top fixing plate 6, in conjunction with the side groove 7, provides stability for the flexible braided copper strip 9 near the connection point. The transition support prevents fatigue fracture at the connection root due to repeated bending. The outer sheath 5, fixed to the outside of the metal ring body 3, forms a sealed protective cover, effectively blocking the direct impact and accumulation of environmental media such as rainwater, salt spray, and sand on the puncture contact 15 and electrical connection interface. The sealing fit between the outer sheath 5 and the blade root seat 2 creates a relatively dry and stable microenvironment outside the puncture connection area, slowing down the electrochemical corrosion of internal metal parts and ensuring the stability of long-term contact resistance. At the same time, the outer sheath 5 increases the creepage distance between the metal ring and the surrounding grounding body.

[0029] The specific architecture and operating logic of the cylinder, motor, servo motor, hydraulic cylinder and linear module in this application, which are coordinated and controlled by an external controller, are consistent with the existing technology in this field. The servo motors used are all equipped with encoders, which can provide real-time feedback on the speed, position and other information of the servo motor. This control method has been maturely applied in many similar industrial scenarios, so it will not be discussed in detail here.

[0030] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 6As shown, the mounting part includes a high-strength bolt 11 and a high-strength nut 13. The high-strength bolt 11 is installed on the inner thread of the threaded hole 8, and the high-strength nut 13 is installed on the outer thread of the high-strength bolt 11.

[0031] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the fastening pair formed by the high-strength bolt 11 and the high-strength nut 13 provides a strong and reliable clamping force for the connection between the flexible braided copper strip 9 and the side fixing seat 17. This mechanical connection method not only ensures that the lightning current conduction path has extremely low contact resistance, but also resists the loosening caused by continuous vibration and impact load during wind turbine operation, ensuring the long-term stability and mechanical reliability of the electrical connection.

[0032] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, a first washer 10 is fitted on the outer side of the high-strength bolt 11, and the first washer 10 is located above the flexible braided copper strip 9.

[0033] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the No. 1 washer 10 can increase the contact area between the head of the high-strength bolt 11 and the flexible braided copper strip 9, which helps to distribute the pressure more evenly on the flexible braided copper strip 9 when tightening, preventing its surface from being damaged due to excessive local pressure, thereby protecting the integrity of the conductor and maintaining its optimal current carrying capacity and flexibility.

[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, a second washer 12 is fitted on the outer side of the high-strength bolt 11, and the second washer 12 is located between the high-strength nut 13 and the side fixing seat 17.

[0035] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second washer 12 can increase the contact area between the high-strength nut 13 and the side fixing seat 17, and evenly distribute the locking pressure of the nut. This can effectively prevent the nut from rotating and loosening on its own under vibration, improve the anti-loosening performance, and also prevent the sharp edges of the nut or bolt from scratching the surface of the side fixing seat 17, thus protecting the connecting base.

[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, a top fixing seat 14 is fixedly connected to the top of the side fixing seat 17, and a top fixing plate 6 that cooperates with the flexible braided copper strip 9 is fixedly connected to the top of the top fixing seat 14. A side groove 7 is provided on one side of the top fixing plate 6.

[0037] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the fixing structure formed by the top fixing seat 14 and the top fixing plate 6, and in cooperation with the side groove 7, provides a stable transition support and positioning for the flexible braided copper strip 9 near the connection point, which can fix the outgoing direction of the flexible conductor.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 6As shown, multiple grooves 4 are provided on both sides of the metal ring body 3.

[0039] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the groove formed by the groove 4 increases the surface area, which is conducive to the faster dissipation of heat generated when lightning current passes through. The regular groove 4 can also disperse the stress flow inside the structure, avoid stress concentration, and improve the structural strength and fatigue resistance of the metal ring under complex loads.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial", "bottom", "one end", "top", "middle", "other end", "upper", "side", "top", "inner", "front", "center", "both ends", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," "third," or "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.

[0042] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "setting", "connection", "fixing", "screw connection", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A metal lightning arrester ring, characterized in that, include: Wind turbine blades (1); Blade root seat (2), the blade root seat (2) is set on one side of the wind turbine blade (1); Metal ring body (3) is disposed on the outside of blade root seat (2); Outer sheath (5), the outer sheath (5) is fixed to the outside of the metal ring body (3); Side fixing seat (17) is fixedly connected to one side of the metal ring body (3) at equal intervals; Flexible braided copper strip (9) is placed on one side of the side fixing seat (17). The side fixing seat (17) has a threaded hole (8) inside. The flexible braided copper strip (9) has an insertion hole that mates with the threaded hole (8) inside. The mounting part is located inside the threaded hole (8) and the through hole; The puncture contacts (15) are equidistantly arranged on one side of the metal ring body (3), and the puncture contacts (15) are provided with puncture connection ends (16) inside.

2. A metal lightning arrester ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting part includes a high-strength bolt (11) and a high-strength nut (13). The high-strength bolt (11) is installed on the inner thread of the threaded hole (8), and the high-strength nut (13) is installed on the outer thread of the high-strength bolt (11).

3. A metal lightning arrester ring according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first washer (10) is fitted on the outside of the high-strength bolt (11), and the first washer (10) is located above the flexible braided copper strip (9).

4. A metal lightning arrester ring according to claim 2, characterized in that: The high-strength bolt (11) is fitted with a second washer (12) on its outer side, and the second washer (12) is located between the high-strength nut (13) and the side fixing seat (17).

5. A metal lightning arrester ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the side fixing seat (17) is fixedly connected to the top fixing seat (14), and the top of the top fixing seat (14) is fixedly connected to the top fixing plate (6) that cooperates with the flexible braided copper strip (9). A side groove (7) is provided on one side of the top fixing plate (6).

6. A metal lightning arrester ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple grooves (4) are provided on both sides of the metal ring body (3).

Images